Engineers Honor Fallen Warrior

Photo By Sgt. Matthew Wester | Pfc. Seferino J. Reyna's helmet and rifle are displayed during a memorial ceremony at Camp Taji, Iraq on August 12. Reyna, a combat engineer for A Company, 70th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, was killed during combat operations on August 7.  

TAJI, IRAQ

08.19.2005

Courtesy Story

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Spc. Matthew Wester
3-1 AD PAO

CAMP TAJI, Iraq -- No one said a word.
Some Soldiers knelt in prayer. Some reached out to touch the I.D. tags dangling from the rifle. All saluted the memorial display for Pfc. Seferino Reyna.
Reyna, a combat engineer and M113 driver for A Company, 70th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, was memorialized during a ceremony at Camp Taji Aug. 12.
The Maricopa, Ariz., native was killed during combat operations Aug. 7.
Before the final salute, the crowd gathered in Warrior Chapel as the Soldiers who knew Reyna best reflected on his life and what he meant to them.
"Today we honor a hero," said Lt. Col. Anthony Wright, commander of 70th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Bde., 1st Armored Div. "Not a hero in the manner of someone who can throw touchdown passes, or portray a role in a summer blockbuster, but a true hero -- a Soldier who believed in what he was doing."
Wright described Reyna as a dedicated armored personnel carrier driver, who braved cramped quarters and intense heat to get his missions accomplished.
"As a driver, he maneuvered his track and kept it running so the guys in the back got where they needed to go," Wright said.
He told the mourning Soldiers that he visited Reyna's squad two days before he was killed, and while other Soldiers were full of questions for their battalion commander, Reyna stayed quiet, "with that ever-present smile that told everyone he was ready to do his mission."
Capt. Eric Swenson, commander of Alpha Co., 70th Eng. Bn., remembered Reyna as a quiet young man with a bright future.
"Spc. Reyna was a super-nice guy who always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell," Swenson said. "He always found a silver lining and made a bad situation much better for all those involved."
Swenson highlighted Reyna's work ethic and dedication to his unit.
"When it came to maintenance, he was a top-notch track driver and clearly stood out as one of the best in the company," Swenson said. "He was a diligent worker who spent long hours in the motor pool, not because he was told to, but because he cared about his vehicle and the readiness of his squad."
Staff Sgt. Jamie R. Hill saw the same things (and more) in Reyna"as his squad leader, he worked side-by-side with Reyna every day.
"Reyna took pride in his vehicle just like he did with his two children, who he loved," Hill said. "Reyna worked every night on his 113. He never once complained. He performed his job with selfless service."
Hill told the crowd about Reyna's great sense of humor and how the troops who worked around him will miss his fun-loving attitude.
"He will be sorely missed in the platoon," he said. "There will always be a place in my squad for Spc. Reyna."
Chaplain (Capt.) Raul Maria, the 70th's chaplain, recognized the void left because of Reyna's passing, but encouraged the troops to remember the good things about Reyna, especially his infectious humor.
"In the midst of this great sorrow and pain, we can honor his great personality," he said.
"One of his good friends told me that even when he had a personal struggle, he could crack a joke," Maria said. "I used to speak Spanish with him, and tease him because his last name means "queen." Because my last name means "Mary," we could joke about this."
He told the Soldiers that Reyna's death was a chance for them to unify, grow stronger and they should carry his memory with them as they continue their mission here.
Wright also talked about how Reyna's presence will stay with his fellow troops, even though he was killed in combat.
"The enemy may have quieted his voice, but they can never quiet his spirit, which remains with us, reminding us of our duty and the sacrifices that he and others have made," Wright said.
"I know that Spc. Reyna is in a better place, having earned that place with his unmatched dedication and selfless service," he said, "Rest in peace sapper -- mission complete."

• Date Taken: 08.19.2005
• Date Posted: 08.19.2005 13:31
• Story ID: 2790
• Location: TAJI, IQ